Loki is incredibly relieved when Ralph does not immediately kick her out of the bookshop after spending their down times telling her story. He sips his tea, now spiked with wine, and takes a long breath after Loki has finished.
"Well damn, son. Or can't I call you that when you're dressed like this?"
"It is fine. Even when I am more feminine. It is an endearment I enjoy, either way."
"OK. You've made some shitty choices."
"Yes, I have."
"And your dad's a crappy parent."
"Yes, but Thor and I have had some limited discussions on how we have all done badly by one another. Except for possibly Frigga."
"Just call her your mother. You damn well know you want to."
"I am unwelcome to do so. When I rejected-"
"Dad you rejected Mom. Got it. But you're not on that world anymore. You're here. And you should have learned from Magda by now that family's what you want it to be, not what somebody else tries to make you have."
Loki stops. It has never occurred to her that she could redefine her family in Asgard as well as in Midgard. Ralph sips his wine-tea and watches her.
"Son, you've got a long way to go. You've learned more in your few months here than it sounds like you ever did back there. At least about living. But you're not done yet. You're going to have to let a lot of shit go or else you're going to die angry and let me tell you, as your old-man friend, that's no way to go. I've seen old folks die and men still pretty much boys whither. The bitter and angry ones regret the most,"
"Thank you. I will think."
"You always do. Now. You've got a day's worth of receipts to file. Go have fun."
Loki smiles, "Of course. I relish the task."
"Yeah," Ralph laughs, "Queer as a three dollar bill!"
When Loki leaves work, it is snowing heavily, fat fluffy flakes blanketing the grey winter day in bright clean white. The city is uncommonly quiet except for the crunch and squeek of the crystals under her feet. It makes her smile and she hums a winter song from her childhood as she walks. When she arrives home, Magda is sitting in her living room.
"Are you ready to go fetch our gowns? I am so excited! I could not wait."
"Did you eat something after work?"
"No."
Loki sighs, "Come, to the kitchen. You must not approach these things on an empty stomach. You will not be able to make proper decisions."
"You sound just like me."
Loki rifles through the fridge for shaved turkey and cheese, "That is because you have been a considerable influence on my life, short as our time together has been. I have you to thank for many of my new ways of doing things."
"You are sweet, but you figured out many things for yourself."
"I am clever, yes, but I think Ralph is right. I have learned more in these past few months about living than I did in my many years in Asgard." She hands Magda a sandwich and makes another for herself.
"You told him?"
"Everything. Mostly. There are a few unpleasant details I left out. But yes."
"Your bravery never ceases to amaze me."
"Nor yours I."
"Then let us be brave together in this very snowy evening and venture forth to gather our dresses. Oh, Loki, I am so excited! We are so close! In a few days, we will make hammentaschen together and then the next day, Wanda and I will marry and we will celebrate as dear friends do at our holiday party. It will be a delight."
"That it will be."
"Is Alexi able to attend?"
"The wedding and party? Yes, but not baking the night before. He could only choose one day."
"Will he be attending the holiday fundraiser for the refugee centre?"
"The one on the day after Christmas?"
"Yes."
"No. But Thor says we are all invited to a party to mark the year's passing at Mr Stark's tower. I do not know how comfortable I am attending. No one there really likes me, but Thor is quite excited and wants me to accompany him. I have mentioned this to Alexi and he has said he will come."
"Wanda has mentioned it as well. I was in the middle about going, but if you are, I will also." She gets her coat and keys. Loki follows her out to the car and they are soon off to meet Erie.
When they arrive, Erie is standing on the huge stone porch, the snowflakes catching in her hair; she calls to them as they get out of the car, "Child, you picked one heck of a day to go for a drive! I'd be holed up by a fireplace if I were you!"
"Oh but we were just so excited that you have our gowns done! I could not wait for a better day!"
Magda leads the way and, again, Loki follows. They wind back and up to Erie's sewing studio and there, on two of the dress forms, are their gowns. Magda's shimmers, the heavy satin dress lengthened with layers of flowing emerald green lace peeking out from under the edge of the skirt, flutter sleeves in the same lace and the length of the shoulder straps expanded with satin. The jacket is piped to match. Loki's gown is beside it. Erie removed the back two panels of the gown and replaced them with the satin brocade, the original fabric used to add expansion panels in other seams. It is expertly done, the satin pleated to create a caping effect, the backline cut low to fall across shoulder blades. The cut appears exacly the same as the original, but with more width to accommodate her wider shoulders. Thin triangular panels made from the fabric removed from the back start under the bust, panels that split at the hips to make way for inserts of the satin brocade. Beadwork along the neckline has been replicated perfectly, the beaded leaves cascading down the bodice moved when needed and added across additions. Loki cannot help but simply stare.
"So, try them on, ladies. We don't have all day."
Erie removes Magda's dress from the mannequin first. She is undressed by the time Erie brings her the gown and completely giddy as the satin slips down her body. She skips over to the full body mirror and admires herself while Erie helps Loki into the emerald gown. Her hands tremble as she smooths the fabric over her stomach.
"Go on over to the mirror," Erie coaxes. Loki does, and gapes at her reflection, "You are one gorgeous woman."
"Thank you. I don't know what else to say. I never thought I would see myself this way after I was cast out of Asgard."
"Your story keeps coming through to me in bits and pieces. One of these days, you're going to have to sit down and tell me the whole thing, if you ever are ready."
"I have already told it once today. Shall we?"
"Can you?" She isn't asking if she will, she is asking honesty if it is even possible.
"I would prefer not to, but what is one more risk of heartbreak?"
"Then don't do it now. I want you to be a willing teller."
Magda joins Loki at the mirror and hugs her from behind, her chin resting on her shoulder; Loki smiles and leans into her, hands resting over hers; her voice low, "You are absolutely beautiful, my darling. Stunning. I hope this makes up for all the times you have questioned this life and if you could be yourself here. Are you happy?"
"Indescribably happy. I never thought..."
"You would wear it?"
"When Thor brought them, I thought his gesture sweet, but misguided."
"Have you dreamt about this?"
"Often. And always with great sadness."
"Tell me how you feel now."
"I don't know. I cannot describe it. It is beyond happy. Perhaps peaceful and euphoric."
She kisses her cheek, "You do not yet believe it is real."
"Not entirely, no."
"It will when we are together dancing, singing, and being our phenomenal selves. When Alexi sees you standing before him as a goddess. When you dance as a queen in the Safe Haven. These things will bring it to reality for you. And we will all be there to share it with you."